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A quick guide to car tax, insurance and SORN

Keeping your car compliant doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s taxing your car, sorting insurance or declaring it off the road with a SORN, this guide covers the basics.

Stay safe, legal and stress-free, whether on or off the road, with the need-to-know essentials.

Two people hanging out of the window of a parked car and pointing into the distance

What is car tax?

Car tax, officially known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is a legal requirement for most vehicles on UK roads. It’s a tax you pay to the government for owning or driving a vehicle. The amount depends on factors such as:

  • CO2 emissions of your car
  • Fuel type
  • Vehicle age

If you drive an electric or low-emission car, your tax could be much lower, or even free. On the other hand, older or less efficient cars usually cost more to tax.

Why is car tax important?

Car tax helps funds things like road maintenance, transport projects and environmental initiatives. It’s also a way for the government to encourage greener driving by charging less for cleaner cars. If you forget to pay your car tax, you could face fines, penalties or even have your car clamped.

Keeping your car tax up to date is the easiest way you avoid these issues and stay safe on the road.

How do you tax your car?

Taxing your car in the UK is simple, and you can do it online, by phone or at Here’s how:

1. Get your documents ready

You’ll need either your vehicle logbook (V5C) or a recent reminder letter (V11) from the DVLA. If you've just bought the car, you can use the green "new keeper" slip from the V5C.

2. Choose how to pay

You can pay the car tax in one go for the full year, every six months or monthly via Direct Debit. Just remember that paying monthly or every six months usually costs a little more.

3. Go online, call or visit

  • Online: Visit the official GOV.UK vehicle tax website and follow the instructions
  • By phone: Call the DVLA on the number provided on your reminder or logbook
  • At your local Post Office branch: Take your documents to a participating branch. This is a good option if you prefer handling things face-to-face. Use our branch finder to find one near you that offers the service

Once completed, you’ll receive confirmation immediately for online or phone payments.

A person in the passenger seat of a car looking at a paper map

What is car insurance?

Car insurance is a legal requirement for driving on UK roads. It’s a policy that protects you financially if your car is involved in an accident, damaged or stolen. Depending on the type of cover you choose, it can also help pay for repairs or cover injury claims made by others.

Why is car insurance important?

Car insurance ensures you’re not left with huge bills after an accident. It also provides peace of mind, knowing that you and others on the road are financially protected. Driving without insurance is illegal and can lead to fines, penalty points or even having your driving licence revoked or your car seized.

How do I choose the right car insurance?

Choosing the right car insurance involves finding a policy that offers the cover you need at a price you can afford. Here are some steps to help.

1. Decide on the level of cover

There are three main types of car insurance in the UK:

  • Third-party: The minimum legal requirement, covering damage to other people and property but not your car
  • Third-party, fire and theft: Adds cover if your car is stolen or damaged by fire
  • Comprehensive: Covers everything above, plus damage to your own car, even if it’s your fault

2. Compare quotes

Use comparison websites to find the best deal. Be sure to check the details of each policy. Cheaper isn’t always better.

3. Look for extras

Some policies offer extras like breakdown cover, legal protection or a courtesy car while yours is being repaired. Decide what’s worth paying for.

4. Consider your circumstances

Factors like your age, driving history, car type, location and mileage will affect the cost. Adding a named driver or increasing your voluntary excess can sometimes reduce the premium.

a person leaning on a parked car looking at a phone

What is SORN?

SORN stands for Statutory Off-Road Notification. It’s a declaration you make to the DVLA when you’re taking your car off the road and won’t be driving it or parking it on public roads. Once your car is registered as SORN, you don’t have to pay road tax or insure the vehicle.

SORN is useful if you’re keeping your car in a garage, driveway or private land for a while, whether it’s because you’re not using it, repairing it or simply want to save on costs. Keep in mind, though, that you cannot drive or park a SORN vehicle on public roads unless you’re taking it to a pre-booked MOT test.

How to SORN a car

SORNing your car is quick and easy. Here’s how to do it.

1. Gather your information

You’ll need either:

  • The V5C logbook for your car, or
  • The 16-digit reference number from a DVLA road tax reminder (V11)

2. Go online, call or do it by post

  • Online: Visit the GOV.UK SORN page and follow the instructions
  • By phone: Call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321
  • By post: Fill out the relevant section of your logbook and send it to the DVLA

3. Complete your declaration

When you SORN your car, you’ll confirm the date the car will be taken off the road. If you apply online or by phone, the process is instant, and you’ll get confirmation immediately.

Once your car is SORNed, you can keep it off-road for as long as you like. But you’ll need to tax it again before driving it on public roads.

Key takeaways

  • Car tax: Car tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) is mandatory for most UK vehicles and helps fund roads and environmental projects. Pay online, by phone or at a Post Office branch using your logbook or reminder documents. Keeping your tax up to date avoids fines or having your car clamped
  • Car insurance: Legally required to drive, car insurance protects you financially in accidents, theft or damage. Choose from third-party, fire and theft or comprehensive cover. Compare quotes and policies to find the best fit for your needs and budget
  • SORN: Declaring your car off-road with a SORN lets you avoid tax and insurance costs while it’s not in use. You can apply online, by phone or by post, but the vehicle must stay on private property until taxed again

Get cover you can count on with car insurance

Common questions about car tax, insurance and SORN

  • If you're wondering whether your car is taxed, it’s easy to find out. You can check your car tax status online through the DVLA’s vehicle tax checker. All you need is your vehicle's registration number. This free service confirms if your car is taxed, when the tax expires, and whether it’s up to date.

    Keeping your car taxed is a legal requirement in the UK. Driving without tax could result in fines or penalties, so it’s worth checking regularly. If your car isn’t taxed, you can renew it online quickly and conveniently.

  • It depends on your vehicle. The amount you pay is based on factors like your car’s CO2 emissions, fuel type, and age. You can check the exact cost using the DVLA’s online vehicle tax tool. Simply enter your registration number to see your car’s tax rate and any renewal details.

    Remember, car tax rates can change annually, so it’s a good idea to check before renewing. Paying your car tax ensures you stay legal on the road and avoid fines or penalties.

  • No, you don’t need to cancel car tax manually when selling your car. The tax does not transfer to the new owner. Once you notify the DVLA about the sale, they’ll automatically refund any remaining full months of tax. The new owner will need to tax the car themselves.

  • No, it’s illegal to drive a car on UK roads without valid tax and insurance. Both must be in place before you drive the car. If taxing your car online, confirmation is usually immediate, and your insurance must also be active.

  • See more FAQs
  • If your car is kept on public roads without tax or insurance, it can be clamped or impounded. You can also be fined. If it’s off the road and not being driven, you must declare it as off-road with a SORN to avoid penalties.

  • No, a car with a valid SORN doesn’t need an MOT unless you plan to drive it again. But, if you want to drive it to a pre-booked MOT test, you’ll need to temporarily insure it and arrange this in advance.

  • Yes, you can get a refund on any full unused months of car tax if you sell the car, scrap it or declare it off-road with a SORN. For insurance, you may also cancel and request a partial refund, but cancellation fees might apply depending on your insurer’s terms. However, if you’ve made a claim, you might not be eligible for a refund.

  • You must update your vehicle logbook (V5C) and notify your insurer of the change. Failing to update your details could result in missed tax reminders or invalid insurance, which can lead to fines or legal issues.

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